As summer gets close to ending, its time to begin thinking about the rebuild of my '84 CJ-7. Actually, I have been thinking about it for quite some time and now it is time to get on it. Keith460, Fatman, Coiz and 243's builds have inspired me to give it a go. I probably look at these builds several times a month. My plans are simple... rebuild/refurbish/replace everything that is wrong with it. I'm not going for an OEM restoration but build something close to stock with modifications to suit me.

I have already done a lot over the past three years. I have a spare 258 at the machine shop now. I have a beautitful 79 or 80 frame and a YJ tub for my build. I have already rebuilt both axles (still need to re-gear the D30), TF999 and D300 as well as other major components.

I will begin on the frame this weekend. I need to weld a few nuts, move the rear body mount holes. Once I strip the old frame figure out position for the bolt-on shock mounts (I cut the older welded style off already). I also need to measure to drill new holes and weld nuts for the skid. The hole positions on this frame are much different than mine.

If I can find a reasonable price I will have it sand blasted and primed with epoxy primer. If not, I will do it myself. Although the thought of that mess in my driveway will put me in the dog house with the wife.

Well, there it is... the official start to my build thread. The wife does not want me to do it because she loves riding in the CJ. But I ain't getting any younger and now is the right time. I hate to put a timeline on it, but since I have already rebuilt and painted many of the major components I am hoping I can do it in a year. I know... wishful thinking....

Thanks Ben! I should probably add that this is the first CJ I have owned and ever attempted anything like this but I have been having a lot of fun working on it the past three years. Here is how it sits today. Don't let the pics fool you, it needs a lot of work. Current frame is bent and the tub is a poster child for Bondo.

Been out in the garage staring at the frame for the past half hour. Since none of the skid holes match what I have on my 84 frame and won't work with my TF999... would you leave the existing ones there or weld them closed? I am kinda leaning toward welding them closed so the frame does not look like swiss cheese. I roughly marked the location of the holes on my 84 frame.

This is great!! Congrats on the decision to rebuild (I think). Lots of fun and frustration. Already giving my .02... let someone else sandblast the frame. I would agreeably pay $200 for that work, not including finish.

The frame holes don't matter if you weld them or not. A matter pf pure personal preference. Do what makes you happy!

Looking forward to some great work!

__________________KerrdogGo Fish!<*////><

But the right word at the right time... "Hey, give me a little hug!" That's the difference between lightning and a harmless lightning bug!

Been out in the garage staring at the frame for the past half hour. Since none of the skid holes match what I have on my 84 frame and won't work with my TF999... would you leave the existing ones there or weld them closed? I am kinda leaning toward welding them closed so the frame does not look like swiss cheese. I roughly marked the location of the holes on my 84 frame.

Can't you just re-drill the holes on the 84 skid plate? There are many hole configurations on the 84 skid plate to choose from and that might not even be necessary.

You are on a good start in prepping the frame before any other work as you always need a good foundation to start with. Good luck.

Can't you just re-drill the holes on the 84 skid plate? There are many hole configurations on the 84 skid plate to choose from and that might not even be necessary.

Keith, None of the other skid mounting holes will match with this frame. I thought about drilling it but I would only be able to catch two holes and keep the skid in the same orientation for my TF999. The other trans mount positions would make my TF999 sit lower.

Red lines are about where I would have to drill the skid to use the existing frame holes. The other problem is they land right on the two "ribs" of the skid and there is not much lip there.

I only have two busted nuts to replace. This being one of them. I was thinking about trying to strengthen all the other frame nuts by drilling 4 small holes around them just deep enough to touch the nut and then plug weld. Maybe 3/16 drill bit. Good idea? Bad idea? Is there a better method?

You've got a good start already Paul. You could weld the extra holes up if you want or you could fill them with slicone after it's painted. If you leave them it's another place for moisture to have a place to puddle between the frame and skid plate. The nut in the picture looks to have anough room to spot weld but the hole drilling idea should work fine.